Habits For Improved Cognition

Flex Your Entire Brain to Improve Cognitive Function

The brain is a never-ending mystery with many secrets that still need to be unlocked. But we do know that when it comes to cognition and the aging brain, there are many ways you can improve its functioning. It’s just as important to keep your brain sharp as it is to keep your body fit.



Physical Activity

There is increasing evidence that physical activity is beneficial for brain health and cognition. Studies have found that certain hormone levels increase during exercise which may help improve memory. During endurance exercises, a specific molecule released improves cognition and protects the brain against degeneration. Maintaining an active lifestyle will help you maintain an active brain.



Openness to Experience

New research shows that the old adage “use it or lose it” can be scientifically proven. Learning new and demanding skills while maintaining an engaged social network can keep you sharp as you age. The key is to choose an unfamiliar and challenging activity that provides broad stimulation mentally and socially. Try learning a new language though a continuing education course, take a cooking class, or learn a new computer skill.



Curiosity and Creativity

Try awakening or reviving your creative genius. Maybe your musical stylings are regulated to the garage, make the dog howl, or require ear plugs. Musical training improves the function and connectivity of different brain regions and therefore improves cognitive function. Practicing a musical instrument increases brain volume and strengthens communication between brain areas. Participating in brain stimulating activities such as reading and writing can preserve memory. Research has found that becoming engrossed in a novel enhances connectivity in the brain and improves brain function. Interestingly, research results found that reading fiction improves readers ability to put themselves in another person’s shoes and flexes the imagination in a way that is similar to the visualization an athlete would do while mentally rehearsing a motion in sports.



Social Connections

Keep in touch with family and friends, and make new connections when possible. When you feel isolated from others you are more likely to suffer from disrupted sleep, elevated blood pressure, increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol, decreased immunity, the list goes on. While not everyone loves a crowd, humans are hardwired to be social so keeping the connections that are important to you will help keep the factors that conspire to disrupt optimal brain function, connectivity, and reduce cognitive function at bay.



Mindfulness Meditation

There is evidence that the brain changes associated with meditation and subsequent stress reduction may play an important role in slowing the progression of age-related cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Meditation can stimulate and strengthen parts of the brain responsible for emotions, learning, and memory; areas known to atrophy as people progress toward mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.



Brain-Training Games

Scientists have found that “stimulant-rich” environments and problem solving puzzles could be a contributing factor in preventing or delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease in some people.



Get Enough Sleep

The benefits of getting enough sleep are well-documented so it should come as no surprise that getting enough sleep has a positive effect on cognitive function and memory. Your brain needs rest and relaxation just as much as your body does. There is a distinct connection between poor sleep quality and reduced function in the part of the brain that controls important processes such as working memory and executive function.



Reduce Chronic Stress

In addition to the many negative effects of chronic stress, we now know that high levels of cortisol can damage the brain. Chronic stress triggers long term changes in brain structure and function which can lead to cognitive decline. Exercising, medication, eating well, and getting enough sleep can all help combat stress.



Brain Fitness Programs Should Flex Every Brain Hemisphere

The way you live your life has a lot to do with your cognition. Healthy daily habits and exercises that involve the entire brain can optimize cognitive function and memory. You can actively improve functioning by making smart choices, creating a healthy, balanced lifestyle. You may not give each habit much thought, but once you make slight changes, you could potentially see incredible benefits.